155. Kristen Ferguson: Creating an Orchestra for Everyone

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Episode 155 | Kristen Ferguson: Creating an Orchestra for EveryoneWhat does it really mean to create an orchestra program where every student feels like they belong?In Episode 155 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Kristen Ferguson, an inspiring middle school orchestra educator from Jefferson City, Missouri, who is doing remarkable work to make music education more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for every student.Kristen has been teaching for 12 years, including eight years in string education, and teaches grades 5–8 in the Jefferson City School District—the same district where she grew up and first learned to play the cello.Kristen has made accessibility and inclusion central to her teaching. For decades, Jefferson City has provided free instruments to students, and Kristen has worked to build upon that tradition by removing additional financial barriers to participation. Her goal is simple: if a student wants to be part of orchestra, she wants to find a way to make that possible.And sometimes that means completely rethinking what is possible.Kristen shares the incredible story of a student with a physical disability who wanted to play cello. Rather than telling him it couldn't be done, Kristen began searching for solutions. With the help of an eighth-grade technology student and 3D-printed adaptive equipment, they developed tools that allowed the student to successfully bow and pluck the cello—and he continues to thrive in orchestra.We also discuss:🎻 Creating a more diverse and inclusive orchestra program🎻 Removing socioeconomic barriers to music education🎻 Adaptive technology and making orchestra accessible to students with disabilities🎻 How her Kodály training has influenced her approach to teaching🎻 Empowering students through classroom leadership🎻 Teaching students how to be both leaders and followers🎻 Encouraging students to compose and create their own music🎻 Challenging advanced students so they continue to grow🎻 Creating meaningful field trips and career experiences🎻 Building routines that make the classroom more efficient🎻 Advocating for adaptive and unified music programs🎻 Finding the motivation to persevere through difficult seasons of teachingOne of the biggest themes of our conversation is Kristen's philosophy of “If yes, why not try?”Her willingness to try, experiment, collaborate, and find solutions provides an incredible example of what can happen when we stop asking “Can this student participate?” and start asking “What can we do to make this possible?”This is a powerful conversation about inclusion, student empowerment, creativity, and the impact one teacher can have on an entire community.Listen, subscribe, and share The Orchestra Teacher Podcast!#TheOrchestraTeacher #OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation #MusicEducation #OrchestraEducation #InclusiveMusicEducation #StringTeachers #MusicTeachers #Kodaly #MiddleSchoolOrchestra— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.comWant to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠